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Justin Mills
Providing thought provoking information and resources for Ranchers that have a desire to be Responsible, Adaptive, and Profitable. From cows, to land, to people, and technology... issues every ranch deals with. Hosted by Justin Mills, a 4th generation Wyoming Rancher.
A production of Working Ranch Magazine.
Ep 43: It’s the S Word… Sustainability.
Today we talk about "Sustainability" of livestock agriculture. It’s not a dirty word but we often associate it with having to defending our industry. What if we looked at from a proactive approach rather than a defensive approach. Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson from Colorado State University is my guest today as we talk about why animal agriculture has a future AND information that can help us be proactive in protecting our industry.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #ranchlife #KimStackhouse-Lawson #ranchmanagement #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #sustainability #CSUAgNext #SustainableSolutions #Simmental #BioZyme #PerformanceBeef #HargroveInsurance
53:5114/10/2021
Ep 42: Winter Nutrition – Keeping it Simple!
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of animal nutrition. With feed costs considerably higher this year how do we keep it simple yet make sure the cow’s getting what she needs in a cost-effective manner. Josh Stroh, Beef Nutritionist for Hubbard Feeds is my guest as we talk about the nutritional aspect of wintering cows and all I asked of him… was to keep it simple!
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #ranchlife #joshstroh #ranchmanagement @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #feedingcows #Simmental #BioZyme #PerformanceBeef #HargroveInsurance
53:5107/10/2021
Ep 41: 10 Things to Profitability, Efficiency & Productivity
What would be 5 things you might own or do that would have exponential return on investment in an effort to run a profitable ranch. Maybe it’s a tool, a piece of equipment, or a management practice. Dallas Mount, CEO of Ranch Management Consultants, and host Justin Mills sit down and compare their lists of 5 things and discuss why they think they are important.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #ranchlife #dallasmount #ranchmanagement @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Simmental #BioZyme #PerformanceBeef #HargroveInsurance
53:5130/09/2021
Ep 40: BQA... Why should I?
Today I’m joined by a panel of guests as we talk about the Beef Quality Assurance Program. It’s purpose, where it’s headed, and how it has impacted the beef product all the way to the consumer… and why this is our industry’s way of managing ourselves.
Guests: Kim Bracket, Trey Patterson, Josh White, & Sarah Reece
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #BQA #BeefCheckoff #BeefFarmersAndRanchers #Simmental #VitaCharge #PerformanceBeef #HargroveInsurance
53:5123/09/2021
Ep 39: The TRUTH on Cow Longevity
It’s a huge factor in the ranching business that affects profitability… and it’s called Cow Longevity. Dr. Bethany Funnell, with Purdue University, is our guest as we talk the economics of when that cow becomes a profit center, factors affecting longevity, and how we can increase the opportunity for that cow to be in our herd longer.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #profitability #ranchmanagement #Simmental #VitaCharge #PerformanceBeef #HargroveInsurance
53:5116/09/2021
Ep 38: Watch List… The current state of affairs in Washington D.C.
As ranchers we get up every morning preparing to handle the business of the day. But what about this business back in Washington DC being negotiated that affects the ranching industry? Ryan Yates, with the American Farm Bureau Federation joins me as we discuss Waters of the US, Supply Chain Issues, 30 x 30, and a big one… tax concerns for ranchers on potentially new legislation.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #neverforget #stillfarming @FarmBureau
53:5109/09/2021
Ep 37: Feed Yards… a view from the “Middle-Woman”.
As Ranchers we understand the cow/calf side of the business. But what about the next step in the beef chain… the grow yards and the feed yards. Trista Brown Priest joins me from Cattle Empire in Satanta, Kansas with a look into the Feed Yard Business. What’s it look like today, their struggles, why is she optimistic, and her advice to ranchers on sending cattle to the feed yard.
Plus, it's Limousin in this week's breed spotlight.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle @CattleEmpire #familyfedbeef #Limousincattle
53:5102/09/2021
Ep 36: Weather Patterns...Predicting the Next Major Drought
In ranching WEATHER is one variable that is just part of the business. But what if you knew when the next major drought was going to happen? Would it help you manage better? Meteorologist Don Day joins me for an in depth look at understanding weather cycles, what modern weathercasting and models are missing and a long-term outlook for weather through the winter and spring of 2022.
Plus... Gelbvieh and Balancer is in this week's "Breed Spotlight".
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #GelbviehBalancer
53:5126/08/2021
Ep 35: Ranch Recovery Following a Wildfire
A lightning storm can dramatically and instantly change the dynamics of a ranch when it creates a wildfire that races across your land. Travis Brown with the LO Cattle Company in Sand Springs, Montana joins me as we talk about how they recovered from a massive wildfire in 2017, how the recovery strategies have some application even for those that are facing drought or other natural disasters, and how the ranching community reached out to help.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #wildfire #usdafsa #nrcs
53:5419/08/2021
Ep 34: Outlook for Calf Market.
The 2021 calf market is starting to take shape. We hear from Clint Berry with Superior Livestock and Joe Goggins of Northern Livestock Video Auction about what they are seeing in the marketplace for this year’s calf sales and why they are optimistic for the upcoming years.
Plus, it's the Beefmaster in out Breed Spotlight.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle @HossTheBeefGuy #SLARep #cattlemarkets #beefmasters
53:5112/08/2021
Ep 33: Are you setting your calves up for success?
It’s that time of year for preconditioning and preparing for weaning. Are you setting your calves up for success? Dr. Randall Spare, Ashland Veterinary Center, joins me as we not only talk the specifics on preconditioning and weaning, but what he believes is the single biggest factor to helping your cattle through the stress of this time year.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle
53:5204/08/2021
Ep 32: Telling the story of the Working Ranch through Rodeo.
Ranch Rodeos... for the Working Ranch Cowboys Association it's a way they can tell the story of the American Rancher. Leman Wall, Association Manager talks about how the WRCA uses it’s organization to promote the ranching industry. Plus a new event at this year's World Championship Ranch Rodeo.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #weather #beef #cows #WRCA #ranchrodeo
53:5228/07/2021
Ep 31: Are you “On the Fence” of Barbed or High Tensile?
FENCES. It’s a part of every ranch in the country. While some components of fencing have changed over the years, for the most part, barbed wire fences are traditionally what is used today. Jay Clark, with Clark Ranch out of Brownwood, TX, joins me as we discuss barbed wire versus high tensile fencing.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #beef #cows #barbwire #hightensile #livestockcontainment #livestock #ranchmanagement
53:5222/07/2021
Ep 30: HAY! Other Options in Drought?
In times of drought comes tough decisions… and higher hay prices. Dr. Steve Paisely, Beef Extension Specialist for the University of Wyoming, joins me as we talk about feeding alternatives and adaptations we can make in our operations to manage drought. Plus, a special segment with the Captn', Tim O'Byrne, on Agriculture Land “Bid Manipulating”.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #beef #droughtrelief #uwyo #gopokes #uw #gelbvieh
53:5215/07/2021
Ep 29: What do the trends in Carcass Traits tell us?
Dr. Ken Odde from K-State is our guest as we review the Carcass Trait Trends from 17 years of data through the Tri-County Carcass Futurity. What does the information tell us and how is it applicable to your ranch going forward?
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #kstate #beef
53:5207/07/2021
Epi 28: Succession Planning... The Elephant in the Room
Succession Planning is a tough topic for ranching families to discuss, let alone get it done. Ranch Consultant and Coach Allan Crockett joins me as we talk about the differences between Estate Planning and Succession Planning, the first steps to start the process… and how this can impact your legacy to the next generation.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #succession #estateplanning #legacy @allancrockett
53:5325/06/2021
Ep 27: Conservation Easements: Proceed with caution... Perpetuity is a long time.
Conservation Easements. It’s a subject that brings out strong opinions for some and questions for others. We'll hear the pros and cons of this tool available for land owners and what to be aware of if you are considering a Conservation Easement. Kelly Beevers with Topos & Anthros provides a third-party perspective and Cole Mannix will provide the landowner view.
Plus, our Breed Spotlight shines on the Beefmaster Breed in this episode.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #conservationeasements #beefmaster @collinosbourn @kellybeevers @ColeMannix
53:5217/06/2021
Ep 26: Risk Mitigation with LRP & PRF
Much of our work as ranchers revolves around managing and protecting our investment in land, livestock, and other assets. But what about protection over things you can’t control, like the cattle markets and weather. Errol Rice of Ranchers Insurance details two products available from the USDA’s Risk Management’s Agency: The Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and Pasture Range Forage Insurance (PRF).
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather @errolrice #ranchersinsurance #RMA #USDA
53:5209/06/2021
Ep 25: Angus...staying relevant to the commercial producer.
In 1873 two bulls of this breed were exhibited at the Kansas City Livestock Exposition. Some considered them freaks because they had no horns and where straight black. Today it’s the largest cattle breed in the country with a branded beef marketing program like no other. Mark McCully, CEO for the American Angus Association joins us to talk about how the breed has evolved, targeted breeding programs for the commercial rancher, and improvements he feels could be made in the angus cow.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #angus #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather @delcygraham
53:5203/06/2021
Ep 24: The BIG Meeting on the BIG 4
It’s never been done before, but the concern in the cattle industry over the integrity of our markets and packer concentration brought the member leaders of six livestock groups together for one meeting. Three of those representatives in attendance at that meeting join me for a discussion about what was talked about, what’s at stake, and what success looks like to them.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #cows #beef #farmbureau #cattlemen #farmersunion #rcalfusa #uscattlemen #FairCattleMarkets
53:5226/05/2021
Ep 23: First 100 days of the Biden Administration.
Does the first 100 days of President Biden’s administration have you concerned and is the political climate in the country conducive to collaborative agreements? We talk with Jess Peterson of Western Skies Strategies on what we've seen and what we can do going forward.
Plus, a bonus topic this week as we talk with Mark Upton with Central Life Sciences about Fly Control.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #cows #jesspeterson #first100days #altosidigr
53:5220/05/2021
Ep 22: Are cows a cause for climate change?
The ranching industry finds itself in the crosshairs on the issue of climate change… and denial is not an option. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, from UC Davis joins us to address the issue and answer the question, "Is ranching hurting our climate as some claim?"
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather @GHGGuru #climatechange #cows
53:5212/05/2021
Ep 21: Certified Angus Beef Program: What has it done?
Certified Angus Beef. It’s a brand that has grown exponentially since its beginning in 1978. What has changed over the years and why? Rumors that non-angus cattle sell under the brand and how the CAB Brand has impacted the beef industry. Paul Dykstra, with Certified Angus Beef LLC is our guest.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #angus #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #bestangusbeef
53:5305/05/2021
Ep 20: Parasites...control without compromise.
Parasite control is paramount to herd health. If not managed it can be costly to any operation. What does effective control look like for our cattle herd that doesn’t build immunity in that parasite population and considers the good bugs in your soil? You might be surprised at what you hear from Dr. Mark Hilton.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #grazing @dayweather #elancoanimalhealth
48:0629/04/2021
Ep 19: Is Intensive Grazing Practical?
Is Intensive Grazing just another fad or is there something to it? Wilbur Reed of Reed Ranch near Poplar, MT joins us to talk about how and why he moved into Intensive Grazing and will offer some practical advice and details. Plus, meteorologist Don Day on how the increased sun spot activity relates to our long term weather outlook.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation @justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #grazing @dayweather
52:0321/04/2021
Ep 18: BEEF - Accuracy of Grading, Quality Changes, & Trends.
Dr. Bob Delmore from Colorado State University talks about the accuracy of the US Beef Grading System, the trends of Grass Feed and Wagyu Beef, how the quality of beef has shifted in the last 50 years, and what we, as ranchers, need to know about the beef packing part of the cattle industry.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #beef #beefitswhatsfordinner
43:5814/04/2021
Ep 17: Why so optimistic about the cattle markets?
Randy Blach, CEO with CattleFax, joins us to talk about why he is so optimistic about our market outlook. We'll discuss influential factors including beef demand and harvest capacity and the trends that the calf market is calling for.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #beef #cattlefax #cattlemarket
35:2607/04/2021
Ep 16: Crossbreeding heterosis for both terminal and maternal performance?
The demand for crossbred bulls among commercial ranchers has increased. We visit with Robb Forman of Trinity Farms out of Ellensburg, WA about heterosis, but not just about terminal performance but also about maternal traits… specifically fertility and longevity.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #timobyrne @trinityfarmsellensburg
32:0331/03/2021
Ep 15: Hot Topics and 90 Day Fog Weather Forecasting
The Captn', Tim O’Byrne, joins me as my guest. We'll discuss a couple hot national news topics regarding the livestock industry in Colorado and we'll highlight some outstanding Women in Agriculture. Plus, Meteorologist Don Day on the validity of 90 Day Fog Forecasting and a look at the long-term forecast.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation @dayweather #timobyrne
36:2424/03/2021
Ep 14: Is Your Soil "Sick & Tired"?
It's easy to manage what we can see, but what about what we can’t see. Agroecologist and author Nicole Masters joins us as we discuss Soil Health through good management practices. Why it's profitable and ways to determine if your soil is "sick and tired".
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #integritysoils
37:1617/03/2021
Ep 13: Conversation with Eunice Williams, wife of stockman Bud Williams.
We set down with the First Lady in livestock Stockmanship and Marketing… Eunice Williams the wife of the late Bud Williams… who’s principles, he was using over 60 years ago, are now influencing today’s Ranching industry in Low Stress Cattle Handling concepts.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #budwilliams #stevensonangus
28:1610/03/2021
Ep 12: Are "Ranching" and "Profit" contradicting terms?
You’ve heard the question asked, "What came first? The chicken or the egg?" So in Ranching, what comes first? The Lifestyle or the Business? Dallas Mount, CEO for Ranch Management Consultants, joins me as we talk about why Ranching and Profit do not need to be contradicting terms.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation #dallasmount #stevensonangus #jesspeterson #uscattlemen'sassociation
44:3303/03/2021
Ep 11: What's your score? A Commercial Operation's tool to providing confidence for your calf buyers.
As a cattle producer you'd like to provide your calf buyer with assurance of how your calves will perform in the feedlot and on the rail. Troy Marshall, with the American Angus Association, provides details on what he is calling a revolutionary marketing tool for commercial producers called the Genetic Merit Scorecard.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #troymarshallangus #geneticmeritscorecard #ranchlife #ranching #simmentalassociation
36:0224/02/2021
Ep 10: Virtual Fence Technology: What is it and its use in ranching.
The ability to utilize Virtual Fencing to control the movement of livestock on your ranch looks to be one of the next big things. Chad Boyd, with the USDA-ARS out of Burns, OR gives us the details of a study they have conducted using Virtual Fencing and provides insight into how it works, costs, and other useful information.
#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #ranchlife #ranching #justinmills.wyocowboy #chadboydusda #vence.io #technology #SRMmeeting #simmentalassociation #herefordassociation #kingranchinstitute
32:5017/02/2021
Ep 9: Understanding Walmart’s Beef Supply Chain: Part 2 –Impacts on the Beef Industry
Part 2 on the Walmart Beef Supply Chain with guest Lamar Steiger, as we address whether Walmart's vertically integrated beef supply could someday control prices all the way down to the rancher and the benefit of having the largest grocery retailer in the country focused on beef.
#cattle #ranch #beef #walmart #ranchlife #dayweather #justinmills.wyocowboy #lamarsteiger
33:3210/02/2021
Ep 8: Understanding Walmart’s Beef Supply Chain: Part 1 – What and Why
Walmart has created their own Beef Supply Chain. In this episode we talk with Lamar Steiger, a rancher and consult to Walmart on this endeavor, as he shares about how it came together and what pushed the largest retailer to step into the beef industry.
#cattle #ranch #beef #walmart #ranchlife #dayweather #justinmills.wyocowboy #lamarsteiger
29:0103/02/2021
Ep 7: A collaborative project to improve viability of sex-skewed semen for the commercial cattleman.
A very large-scale project using sex-skewed semen on a terminal cross commercial cow/calf ranch is underway. It's aimed at improving profitability and sustainability. In this episode learn about the partnership between ABS Global and the Bair Ranch of Montana and how it is relevant to the commercial rancher.
Plus, Meteorologist Don Day explains how Solar Minimums can predict our weather patterns as far out as ten years!
#cattle #ranch #absglobal #ranchlife #dayweather #justinmills.wyocowboy #workingranchnation
32:0427/01/2021
Ep 6: Weather Stations and Cattle Management Software... tools useful in modern Ranch Management.
A look at two tools that can provide valuable decision-making information for your livestock operation. Our guests are Meteorologist Don Day on Weather Stations and Terrill Miller from Cattlesoft, Inc on Cattle Record Keeping Software.
#workingranchnation #workingranch #dayweather #cattlemax #cattle #ranch #weather #ranchlife #justinmills.wyocowboy
35:1320/01/2021
Ep 5: Selling Program Cattle...Is it for everyone?
The cattle industry is full of products or companies promising you an increase in your profit per head if you use it. In this episode we look deeper into Selling Program Cattle… from Age & Source Verified, to All Natural, all the way to GAP certified. Host, Justin Mills, talks with Superior Livestock Rep Clint Berry to layout the details and what you need to be aware of so you can decide if the return is worth your investment.
38:1706/01/2021
Ep 4: Have you heard about the Cattlemen's Congress?
When the National Western Stock Show in Denver announced it's was cancelling it's 2021 event, it brought out the creation of a new major livestock show called Cattlemen's Congress hosted by the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) in Oklahoma City. Host Justin Mills talks with Tyler Norvell, a board member of the Cattlemen's Congress and President of OYE, about how it came together, how they plan to make it happen, why it's already considered a MAJOR show and... what about the future of Denver?
29:5223/12/2020
Ep 3: Tax liabilities with COVID Assistance Programs and Estate Planning due to changes in Washington DC.
Year End Preparation. COVID Assistance has put a lot of capital in the ranching business so have you prepared for the tax liabilities your operation may have... plus estate planning and tax exemption limits considering the election. Dennen Gamradt with the accounting firm EideBailly joins me today.
Meteorologist Don Day breaks out long term weather for each region of the United States and Canada and will hear from the Captn' with Tim's 2 Cents.
29:1809/12/2020
Ep 2: The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo moves to Texas for this year... what's it going to look like?
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is coming up, but this year it's been moved to Arlington, TX.... and it’s going be held in a 40,000 seat baseball stadium! ProRodeo Announcer and host of Pro-Rodeo Tonight on the Cowboy Channel, Justin McKee, joins us to give us the layout of the arena and talk details.
Plus Tim's 2 Cents and Meteorologist Don Day on what history maybe forecasting about our long term La Nina weather pattern.
29:4125/11/2020
Ep 1: 2020 Election Changes and it's affect on Livestock Agriculture
The dust hasn't completely settled on the election, but some changes in leadership are inevitable. Jess Peterson with Western Skies Strategies talks with host Justin Mills about the details of the changes we could see. Plus, Tim's 2 Cents, long term weather with Meteorologist Don Day, and a Livestock Market recap.
59:5113/11/2020